Pacific Power Paradox: American Statecraft and the Fate of the Asian Peace

A new history of Asian peace since 1979 that considers America’s paradoxical role

After more than a century of recurring conflict, the countries of the Asia-Pacific region have managed something remarkable: avoiding war among nations. Since 1979, Asia has endured threats, near-miss crises, and nuclear proliferation but no interstate war. How fragile is this “Asian peace,” and what is America’s role in it?

Van Jackson argues that because Washington takes for granted that the United States ...